Overview
The Wine Australia Emerging Talent Bursary supports young people working in the Australian wine sector to attend the International Masters of Wine Symposium (IMW Symposium), held in Adelaide, South Australia from 15–18 April 2027.
The bursary aims to strengthen future industry leadership by enabling early career professionals to access global expertise, high-level discussion and unique networking opportunities.
About the IMW Symposium
The Institute of Masters of Wine promotes excellence, learning and professional engagement across the global wine community. For 70 years, Masters of Wine have contributed leadership and expertise across all parts of the wine sector.
The 2027 IMW Symposium program will explore key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of wine. The event features:
- rare and high value tastings
- presentations and panel discussions
- facilitated debate and themed events
- structured and informal networking opportunities
Learn more about the event: IMW Symposium website
About the bursary
Wine Australia will offer 10 Emerging Talent Bursaries, each comprising two components:
Attendance component
- One full price IMW Symposium ticket
- Valued at $3,350 AUD (inc. GST) per recipient
Travel component
A travel allowance to support travel and accommodation costs, based on applicant location:
Applicant location | Travel support |
Metropolitan South Australia | $0 |
Regional South Australia | $500 AUD |
All other states and territories | $1,000 AUD |
Eligibility criteria
To apply, applicants must:
- be aged 18 to 35 (in 2027)
- be currently employed in any part of the Australian wine industry (e.g. viticulture, winemaking, research, marketing, hospitality, tourism), and able to demonstrate this connection
- be available to attend the full IMW Symposium in person from 15–18 April 2027 in Adelaide
- be willing and able to prepare and share insights from their experience with guidance from Wine Australia
A selection panel comprising Wine Australia representatives, industry leaders and Masters of Wine will assess all applications.
Key dates
- Applications open: 10 March 2026 at 9:00 am (ACST)
- Applications close: 24 April 2026 at 11:59 pm (ACST)
- Assessment period: 25 April – 29 May 2026
- Successful applicants announced: 15 June 2026
- IMW Symposium: 15–18 April 2027
How to apply
Applications must be submitted via SurveyMonkey.
You will be asked some questions about you and your role in the Australian wine sector as well as four application questions.
We recommend you take the time to prepare your answers to these questions before you begin.
- Briefly describe your current involvement in the Australian wine industry (150 words or less)
- Why do you want to attend the International Masters of Wine Symposium? (250 words or less)
- If selected for this bursary, how will you make meaningful impact with the knowledge you gain? (250 words or less)
- Why are you the right person for this bursary at this point in your life? (150 words or less)
Wine Australia is committed to accessible application processes. Candidates requiring adjustments can contact: research@wineaustralia.com.
About Rootlings
Rootlings is a national youth network for people aged 35 and under working (or seeking to work) in the Australian wine industry.
Learn more: Rootlings: Australian Wine Youth Network
Applicants do not need to be members of Rootlings to apply.